After Hogwarts – Part Two
Lily involuntarily shivered, as she looked in the mirror. She and her three other friends were trying on wedding dresses, but none of them seemed to exactly suit her well enough. Not that they were too skimpy or too sagging, but they just didn't blend in with her dark red hair and stunning green eyes. However, though Lily had the patience to try on nearly every dress in the store, the manager and her friends had no such patience whatsoever.
"Do hurry, Lily," goaded Jennifer, bouncing on the balls of her feet. "I have a date with Gideon Prewett tonight, and I'm not going to be late no matter what."
"All right, I think it's just downright sickening how you're just dating members of the Order," said Arabella bluntly. "It's so wrong. I mean, if you look at it in a broad point of view, it's like dating your brother, and that is very disgusting."
"You're making it sound too dramatic, Bella. Don't worry, I won't get hurt. Gideon's a real darling, and he's doing so much for the Order. I think he's a perfect gentleman, and would never try anything on me."
"Let's hope not."
Lily watched her friends' discourse with interest and worry. She was glad that Jennifer was not mourning over Remus' break-up with her, and moving on, dating new men, but she wasn't happy with the way she was just tossing away her friendship with him as well. Even though Jennifer and Remus weren't lovers anymore, Lily thought they should at least be close friends, like they were in their younger days. However, it didn't turn out that way at all. Remus and Jennifer completely ignored each other after that. Jennifer flirted with nearly every single Order member close to her age, while Remus sulked every day, watching his ex-girlfriend in the corners of his eyes and sighing every second. Lily, James, and their friends were severely disappointed in the two of them, but there really wasn't anything that could be done about it.
"Do you think it would be too amoral to not wear a white wedding dress?" questioned Lily to her friends, while she surveyed a light yellow silk with slight interest.
"It's just a wedding dress, Lily, for Merlin's sake," said Violet loudly. "C'mon, get your pick, and we're going. Jen's not the only one with a date; I have to meet Jackson over at the Leaky Cauldron this evening."
"Oh, you'd say something like that, Vi. But really, weddings are very important, and you must choose your dress carefully. One wrong move and the whole wedding may be ruined. Well, what do you think of this one?"
Lily held up a simple dove-white gown. It lacked the laces, frills, and ruffles of the previous gowns that she had tried on, yet its plainness made it look elegant. Her friends nodded approvingly, and had her try it on. When she slipped on the dress, she looked gorgeous. The dress blended in perfectly with her bright hair and eyes, and her three friends, and even the woman manager looked at her with admiration.
"You look beautiful, Lils," complimented Arabella. "Oh, you've definitely found the right dress. James' get his socks knocked off when he sees you in this." She started to examine the hem of the dress eagerly.
"Oh, Bella, don't be so ridiculous." Lily sighed. "Well, I suppose this will have to do anyway. There are no more dresses in this store; I think I've tried on all of them. Let's pay the money and go."
She slipped some gold coins into the cashier's hand, who looked pleased to see that she finally made a decision after hours of trying on the gowns. They left the store, welcoming the fresh air eagerly.
"Finally, I can breathe," said Violet happily. "I thought I'd die from all that perfume in the store."
"Seriously," agreed Jennifer. "Well—er—see you guys later, I guess. I have to meet Gideon." She Apparated.
"Bye, Jen."
When Jennifer disappeared from their group, Arabella let out a conspicuous sigh of disapproval.
"What's that girl thinking, dating Gideon? He's a darling, for sure, but doesn't she know that she's hurting Remus every second of his life?"
"You can't blame it all on her, Arabella," said Lily quietly. "Jennifer thinks that Remus no longer cares for her, even though we know otherwise. After all, he didn't give her much of a reason to break up in the first place."
"Well, at least he should find another girl, too."
"That would be folly. He still loves Jen. Why would he find another girl? He's just afraid to hurt them because of his transformations."
"What an idiot! I still can't believe he did such a thing. Well, it was his choice, and now he has to live with it."
"Don't sound so mean about it, Bells," scolded Violet. "You know Remus meant it for the best. He didn't do it on purpose anyway."
"If he did do it on purpose, then I'd give him the Killing Curse right on the spot!"
Lily exchanged looks with Violet after Arabella's uncouth behavior and violent gestures. But then, there were no surprises; Arabella was usually always the one to express her feelings freely and without any sort of hesitation. Perhaps that was why she didn't feel a bit guilty about the accusations she made on Remus.
"We'd better get back soon," said Violet worriedly. "The Order meeting is in ten minutes, and Moody wouldn't like it if we're late."
"Yes, Moody," ranted Arabella. "He's another thing. Always telling us what do to. The man treats us like children, and we're nineteen! At least most of us are, anyway. But still, Moody thinks we're still ten and assume that we can't do anything, while you and James are slaving every day at the Ministry and at home, going through your aptitude tests as an Auror."
"Bella, calm down," ordered Lily. "You know that Alastor only means well for the good of the Order. Besides, we are still children, compared to him and Dumbledore. We're only nineteen, and that's not very long. They've been living much longer in this war than us, so we should respect them instead of making bitter remarks behind their back. Now, what do you say we make some nice green tea back at headquarters?"
"Lils, I need a place of my own. I can't just live at the Order headquarters under you and James' generosity. After all, you all are working day and night, and I'm practically the only one without a flat of my own. Sirius has his own place, and so do Remus, Peter, and Jennifer. Violet's living with Jackson for the time being, but they're about to get married soon anyway. Jackson's thinking of proposing next year."
"Arabella, you're going to be married soon too," Violet pointed out pragmatically. "You and Sirius can get a place of your own, just like Lily and James. Don't worry so much."
Arabella looked thoughtful for a moment. "Oh, yeah…" She looked as if she had forgotten for a second that she had a fiancé, an engagement ring, and a planned June wedding for two years later.
The three girls Apparated to London, and then walked the rest of the way to the Order headquarters, depositing Violet at the Leaky Cauldron. Lily rang the doorbell, and a familiar jingling of bells soon followed after the push. Fabian, Gideon's brother, opened the door and allowed entrance in a rather enthusiastic manner.
"How's your friend doing lately?" he asked them, as they settled down to the meeting, which would start in eight minutes. "She's going to dinner tonight with my brother, and missing the meeting. Moody put up a good fight before allowing them…even Dumbledore had to step in."
"The man's insane," added Sirius, going toward them and slipping an arm around Arabella's waist. "However, he's a great Auror and really knows his business, so I respect him for it."
"Why, thank you, Black," came a growl from behind the handsome man.
Everyone jumped, and turned around, revealing Moody dressed in his evening robes, and acknowledged him politely. Even though they were like "family", as Moody had said when they first joined, they were still rather fearful of one of the greatest Aurors in the Ministry. After all, he was decades over than them, and had more experience, therefore earning a high place in everyone's hearts.
"Er—" Sirius shuffled his feet back and forth in embarrassment. "Thanks, Alastor."
"Where's that Potter?" Moody demanded. "You know where he is, Evans? He's supposed to tell us how many tests he's passed so far."
"No, I haven't seen him since this morning, sir."
"How can you not know, Evans? You're going to be married to the boy in two months. Well, I suppose all teenagers are like this."
"We're not teenagers," said Arabella with indignation. "We're legal adults, Mr. Moody, and I beg you to consider that. We aren't children anymore."
Moody peered at the brunette, and nodded slowly. "Ah, yes, always the feisty and outspoken one, aren't you, Figg? Well, you got a point there, girl. I never do treat you all like the adults you are, do I? I'll be sure to keep that in mind next time."
Arabella smiled triumphantly, giving Lily a "if-you-tell-him-off-then-he'll-give-you-whatever-you-want" look. Lily promptly rolled her eyes in response.
As if on cue, James came bounding down the stairs, running a hand through his haphazard jet-black hair. He was now growing quite tall, and had caught up on to Sirius' naturally well-built frame, though he was still as skinny and pale as ever. However, he was still as handsome as he was back in his seventh year, and still attracted many women on the streets, though James still stayed loyal to Lily. He waved merrily at Moody, who looked more disgruntled than ever.
"Hey, Alastor. Sorry I'm late. I had to fix my hair for my special girl." He winked roguishly at Lily.
"Make sure you aren't late again, Potter, and come right when I call you."
"Gee, what am I, a dog?" Seeing Moody's face, James promptly stopped his smart-aleck remarks. "Sorry. Er—yeah, I've passed nearly a third of my tests in the Ministry, and Lily's passed more than a quarter."
"I asked for your results only, Potter, not Evan's. She can give me her own account, and I don't need you to do anything about it."
James raised his eyebrows. "All right, then. When are we starting the meeting?"
"Just about now, Potter."
"Ooh, Prongs, right on time for once!" exclaimed Sirius joyously.
"The Ministry is still trying to recover from the attack the Death Eaters launched last month," informed Alice. "And there are rumors that Voldemort is planning to strike at Azkaban and release all the prisoners who will be willing to go on his side."
Sirius stood up abruptly. "But that would be nearly all of them! The only reason why they were probably put to Azkaban was because they did a dark deed or something. Plus the fact that the dementors are starting to cozy up to Voldemort, too."
"Yes, Black, 'tis true," said Moody, looking grave. "Good work, Hart. But now we have more things to worry about…more allies for You-Know-Who. Do you think the werewolves might join as well, Lupin?"
"I think they will, sir," said Remus in a lugubrious manner. His mind was clearly on something else. "The vampires have already joined ranks with him."
"Yes, yes, indeed. Well, we'll just have to wait and see. Where's Walker and Bradley?"
"They're off to dinner at the Leaky Cauldron," said Lily apologetically. "I guess we're short another two members, Alastor."
"Dinner, it's all these young folks think about!" muttered Moody.
"We have lives besides the Order, you know," retorted Arabella.
"Hush, Arabella," said Frank sharply.
"No, no, the girl's right for the second time today. Since you've put it that way, Figg, I suppose this meeting can be annulled. The next meeting will be next month. That will be all." Moody Apparated, to where, no one knew.
"Why does he listen to you all the time?" asked Sirius grumpily. "I think he fancies you or something."
"Merlin, Sirius, he's ages older than me." Arabella laughed. "I just have a great way of handling people, that's all."
"Can you imagine Moody fancying a woman anyway?" James sniggered at the thought.
"Well, now that we have the evening off, let's go to dinner somewhere, then," said Sirius. "Maybe we can go to that French restaurant and spy on Jennifer."
Remus twitched at the mention of her name, and shook his head. "You should really leave her alone, Sirius. She's enjoying herself, and we all know that you love to anger people who are having fun."
"Don't be such a spoilsport, Moony! C'mon, it'll be fun!"
"Sirius," said Arabella sharply, shaking her head at the tactlessness of her fiancé. "Leave Remus be."
"Oh…" Sirius realized what she meant and nodded. "Sorry, Moons."
"It's all right," replied Remus tiredly.
"Moony? You want to come with us anyway?" James peered at his friend worriedly.
"No, I'm fine, Prongs, thanks."
"All right, then," said Lily. She knew better than to pester Remus with a further, "Are you sure?" The four of them then Apparated away, leaving Remus to his thoughts.
Here I go again I promised myself I wouldn't think of you today
It's been seven months and counting
You've moved on
I still feel exactly the same
It's just that everywhere I go all the buildings know your name
Like photographs and memories of love
Steel and granite reminders
The city calls your name and I can't move on
Ever since you've been gone
The lights go out the same
The only difference is
You call another name
To your love
To your lover now
To your love
The lover after me
Am I all alone in the universe?
There's no love on these streets
I have given mine away to a world that didn't want it anyway
So this is my new freedom
It's funny
I don't remember being chained
But nothing seems to make sense anymore
Without you I'm always twenty minutes late
Ever since you've been gone
The lights go out the same
The only difference is
You call another name
To your love
To your lover now
To your love
The lover after me
And time goes by so slowly
The nights are cold and lonely
I shouldn't be holding on
But I'm still holding on for you
Here I go again
I promised myself I wouldn't think of you today
But I'm standing at your doorway
I'm calling out your name because I can't move on
Ever since you've been gone
The lights go out the same
The only difference is
You call another name
To your love
To your lover now
To your love
The lover after me
Remus stared wistfully at the stars that had come out of the sky. They twinkled brightly at him, as if telling him that everything would turn out all right…even if there were consequences.
***
Lily glared at her best friend, swinging her wedding dress over her shoulders. "Bella, help me!"
"Wait until I get this make-up on!" Arabella struggled with the eye shadow, smearing all of her eyelids with it.
"I cannot believe your naïveté about make-up, Bella," said Jennifer, rolling her eyes. "Even Vi knows more than you do."
"Arabella Figg, my wedding day is today! I want everything to be perfect, and you're not helping me! Vi, help me get my dress on."
Violet hastily went to help Lily with her dress, and within minutes, Lily was in her wedding gown, looking as radiant and gorgeous as ever.
"You look so wonderful, Lils," sighed Jennifer dreamily. "You're so lucky to be marrying James."
"And you call me the romantic," retorted Vi.
"Can someone help me with this stuff?" Arabella held up a tube of eye shadow in front of their noses. "Come on, someone do it!"
Jennifer rolled her eyes. "Come here, Bella," she instructed. She took the eye shadow and expertly applied it onto Arabella's eyelids. "There." She smiled triumphantly at her work.
"How come you know how to do it?" asked Arabella, inspecting her eyes carefully. "You never wear this stuff."
"True, but it's not that hard, you know. You don't have to be a genius to do it. Merlin, if you can't do something like that, Bella, I don't know how you manage your job at the Ministry."
"Hey, I can do more useful things, unlike some people."
"That was an insult!"
"So be it!"
"Girls, girls," mollified Lily soothingly. "Bella, you're the maid of honor, and Jen, you're one of the bridesmaids. Is this how you're really supposed to act?"
"Oh, sure," snapped Arabella irritably, "you're not the one who has to wear these slippers that pinch your toes, do you? Lily, what were you thinking, getting these slippers? They're pretty and all, but not all of us have tiny feet like you!"
"Bella, calm down. I'm sorry, but none of us have the same shoe size. That's why I specifically told you all to get the size that would fit you the most."
Jennifer and Violet both looked accusingly at Arabella, who made a slight noise that sounded oddly like, "Whoops."
Lily chewed on her nails again. "Oh, d'you think I'm doing the right thing by marrying James?"
Violet rolled her eyes. "We've been through this a million times this week, Lily. Yes, you two should be married. I mean, come on, it was so obvious since first year. You and James' destiny together is written in the stars, for Merlin's sake!"
"I never see it in the sky at night," said Bella reproachfully.
"It was figuratively speaking, Arabella."
"Oh, where's my veil? Girls, my veil is missing! Merlin help me!" Lily looked around desperately at her three friends. "Where the bloody hell is it?"
"Watch your language, Lily Evans," cautioned Arabella in a nagging voice. "Oh—here it is!" She produced a thick wad of filmy material and handed it to Lily, who placed it on with a flourish.
"You're gorgeous, Lily," breathed Jennifer, smiling.
Meanwhile, back where the Marauders were, James was currently panicking, chafing his hands together in the most uncomfortable and unpleasant fashion. Sirius, Remus, Peter, and Frank were all trying to calm him down, but nothing really worked.
"Am I really doing the right thing, marrying Lily? What if I did something wrong? What if I don't deserve her, and she goes off and elopes with another guy instead?"
"Prongs, shut it," said Sirius tiredly. "You're doing the right thing. Now get these damn robes on before you wet yourself."
"James, your hair," said Remus practically, pointing to the groom's untidy hair. "You need to fix it."
"Impossible," said Frank briskly. "James has never been able to accomplish that. Only Lily can do it, and we can't have her come in here."
"Go ask Lily what charm she used," said James pleadingly.
"No way! I'm not supposed to see the bride."
"No, you can, I can't."
"Forget the hair, let's just get the suit on and be with it," said Sirius impatiently. "C'mon Prongs, bear with me here."
"Hey, you're not the one getting married."
"True, but I'm planning to, and Frank here is already a married man."
James looked at the said Frank. "Were you nervous on your wedding day, Frank?"
"C'mon, Potter, you can do better than that." Frank rolled his eyes. "You were my best man, remember? And nearly dropped the rings on the altar?"
Sirius sniggered. "Oh, I remember that. Alice looked ready to kill when Prongs tripped on the hem of Lily's dress."
"Not funny," snapped James impatiently.
"James." Daniel Potter entered the room, waving his arms around. "It's time, son."
"WHAT? Now?"
"Come on, Prongs, you can do it," encouraged Peter brightly. "Then you can—"
"—be all nice and ready for tonight with Lily," finished Sirius, winking.
"Sirius!" exclaimed Remus, aghast. "You pervert!"
"And proud of it."
"Come on, James dear, you're wasting time here," said Mrs. Potter hurriedly.
James had gotten his suit on (with the help of his best man and ushers, of course), and left the room. He stood there, wringing his hands nervously, and gaped with Lily came out.
She was simply gorgeous. Her dark red hair contrasted beautifully with the snow-white gown, and her green eyes were sparkling delightfully. She smiled nervously at James, whose feet were frozen on the spot, and had to have Sirius nudge him in order to move again.
Lily smiled at James, who looked as if he were about to faint. He looked very handsome, as always, in a Muggle suit, though his jet-black hair was as haphazard as ever. There were murmurs throughout the guests when they saw the groom's appearance, but they weren't mean or degrading; in fact, many of the guests were laughing softly or silently to themselves or to each other.
Headmaster Albus Dumbledore smiled to himself as he looked at the couple. Lily and James had invited him to marry them and he happily obliged, feeling honored to marry such a deserving and loving couple as them.
"I am here, this day, to join James Henry Potter and Lily Roseanne Evans in holy matrimony…" Dumbledore continued his speech, until the final vows.
"Do you, Lily Evans, take this man to be your husband?"
"I do."
"And do you, James Potter, take this woman to be your wife?"
"I do, sir."
"Then I pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride."
James lifted the veil shielding Lily's face and kissed her lips. There was much cheering from the guests, and he laughed inwardly when he heard a groan coming from his best man. They broke off the kiss reluctantly, and there was clapping, cheering, and wolf-whistles after it that deafened the surroundings.
After that, they had their wedding reception, where Sirius had stood up in the middle of their meal to make his best man speech.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I have known James Potter for a long time, ever since we met at Diagon Alley at the small age of six. Our parents—or, at least mine—didn't approve of our friendship, but that didn't matter. When I first met my favorite girl, besides my girlfriend of course, Lily Evans, it was my first day on the Hogwarts Express. I had teased Prongsies about the redhead, and telling him that they were to be destined for each other. Of course, Prongs didn't believe me, thinking that I was being my weird normal self. However, he should have, because I was right!
"I knew that Lily and James were 'meant to be' ever since they started their first argument on the Hogwarts Express. Even though bickering and screaming isn't exactly anyone's idea of romantic, but I knew that behind those fights, there was an affection that would last forever.
"However, these two stubborn idiots supposedly 'hated' each other until fifth year, when good old Prongs finally realized his true feelings for Lily Flower. Sadly, Flower did not share those feelings of love and affection, and it took two years before Lily finally relented to her feelings, and the two numskulls started dating in our seventh year together.
"Now, this may sound like a typical love story, but it isn't. These two are my best friends, and the greatest ones you can ever ask for. I've seen Lily and James grow up for these eight years, and believe me, every single look they've given each other expressed the deepest love. So I say to my best friend and his new wife, congratulations!"
Everyone started cheering, and Lily sniffed, wiping away tears from her eyes. James laughed loudly at his best friend's surprising gravity, and clapped him on the back. Remus couldn't stop grinning, and Arabella, Jennifer, and Violet had all cried along with the newly married bride.
A song had started up, and soon everyone was dancing on the dance floor. Finally, after hours, the last dance had started playing, and Lily and James re-entered the floor.
There's a calm surrender to the rush of day
When the heat of a rolling wind can be turned away
An enchanted moment, and it sees me through
It's enough for this restless warrior just to be with you
And can you feel the love tonight
It is where we are
It's enough for this wide-eyed wanderer
That we got this far
And can you feel the love tonight
How it's laid to rest
It's enough to make kings and vagabonds
Believe the very best
There's a time for everyone if they only learn
That the twisting kaleidoscope moves us all in turn
There's a rhyme and reason to the wild outdoors
When the heart of this star-crossed voyager beats in time with yours
And can you feel the love tonight
It is where we are
It's enough for this wide-eyed wanderer
That we got this far
And can you feel the love tonight
How it's laid to rest
It's enough to make kings and vagabonds
Believe the very best
The song had finished, and Lily laid her head on James' shoulder, sighing happily. This was the best day of her life. She had gotten married to her fiancé, whom she loved very much, and they were about to start their lives together. What could be better.
James grinned, and stroked Lily's dark red hair gently. His heart was beating rapidly as he inhaled the sweet scent of his wife's hair. His wife…it all sounded so surreal. He gave a small laugh, despite the peace in the air. Eight years ago when he was just a little first-year, James wouldn't have dreamed he'd be marrying Lily Evans, the carrot-headed and feisty girl with a sharp tongue and an annoying disposition. They had hated each other then. Now, however, it had all changed. James had finally opened his eyes to the truth and poured out all of his feelings to Lily, and now they were finally married. It all sounded so strange to him, like a dream. He closed his eyes for a moment, and then opened them, hoping that this dream would never end. No, it wasn't a dream. This was real—and he definitely wanted it that way.
"Isn't it sweet?" whispered Arabella to her fiancé, as they both watched the newlyweds dance.
"Like sugar," agreed Sirius, his eyes darting around from his best friend to his best girl friend. "I can't believe they're finally together. Remember when we were first years?"
"How can I forget? Lily and James fought so much that we got sick and tired of them by the first month. How did they manage to get together with such malignancy emitting from each other for years?"
"Fate, I suppose. Us, too, of course," he added, grinning.
"Oh, yes, we should give ourselves plenty of credit, shouldn't we, Sirius?"
"Certainly. After all, we're the ones who'll keep them sane."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, they're never going to last one minute without arguing."
***
"Hey, Lily, where'd my shirt go?"
James was rummaging through his large wardrobe, searching for his favorite shirt to wear under his regular robes, but wasn't having much luck. Cursing silently to himself, he strolled out of the room and hollered for his wife, the first thing he thought of.
Lily, who had been downstairs helping get breakfast ready, closed her eyes tightly when she heard James' annoyingly nagging voice from upstairs, and let out a heavy sigh. She loved James, for sure, but he was very irritating at times.
"I don't have the slightest clue, James!" she called back.
"But you're supposed to know! Women are supposed to know these things."
Lily's natural redhead temper flared up. "What do you mean women are supposed to know these things? Is this world so prejudiced that women and men have specific things they have to do in this world?"
"Ooh, busted, Prongs," muttered Sirius, passing the redhead.
"You shut it, Black!"
"Prongs, go handle your wife there, she's going insane! Next time, don't make sexist remarks! Gee, Flower, there's no need to yell at innocent passersby who simply make a small comment upon your exclamations."
Lily blinked at Sirius' amazing use of "challenging" vocabulary, and instantly felt guilty for yelling at him. After all, it was James whom she was really impatient with.
"You're right, I'm sorry, Sirius."
James came trampling down the stairs, shirtless. He gave a grumbling greeting to everyone, and sat down at the table. He grabbed a few rolls from the center and buttered it, ignoring his wife completely.
"It's indecent to be eating half-naked, James Potter," censored Lily. "Go put on a shirt now, and your robes."
"Oh, I'm quite sorry, but if I'm not mistaken, I couldn't find my shirt and asked you if you knew where it was."
"Well, I would have told you if you hadn't made that comment about women."
"Don't take everything so seriously, Lils, I wasn't serious."
"You're right, you were James," piped up Sirius from the sink.
Both Potters blatantly ignored that comment.
"It's your fault, so go find another shirt," said Lily pragmatically. "What's so special about this particular shirt?"
"'Cause it's my favorite."
"Idiot. Go find another one."
"No."
"Yes."
"No."
"Yes."
"NO."
"YES."
"NO!"
"YES!"
"NO!"
By now, the couple was getting extremely on each other's nerves, and everyone in the Order stopped what they were doing to observe the argument. Lily and James' faces were both very red, and one could almost see steam rising out of their ears (though not quite literally, of course).
"Fine, do you really want to know why?" shouted James angrily. "It's because I was going to take you out to a really fancy dinner tonight with the other people who are Aurors-in training, and I wanted to wear my favorite shirt, which is the one you gave me for my birthday last year."
Lily frowned, and raised her eyebrows. Whoops. She had definitely not seen that coming from her husband, and at first, she was too shocked and surprised to answer. Then, she felt very ashamed of herself for yelling at James like that, when he was only asking her if she knew where his favorite shirt was. Come to think of it, he always threw a sexist comment here and there every day, and she never commented on it…in fact, she's never even noticed until now. What was wrong with her?
"James, I'm sorry," she said quietly.
"Huh!" He turned his back on her and looked away. Well, two could play at that game.
"Please, Jamie."
He sighed and turned around. After all, Lily was the only one who could ever soften him up like that. "D'you really mean it?"
"'Course."
James grinned and engulfed her in a large bear hug. There were cheers from everyone else in the Order as they watched the couple embrace passionately. Even though they had seen them argue at least once a week, it was still romantic and heart tugging to observe them mend their mistakes with hugs, kisses, or other affectionate gestures.
"How many times have we done this since their wedding?" mumbled Arabella to her fiancé.
Sirius scowled. "Too many."
"You can never get sick of them, though," said Violet cheerfully, as her eyes went over the couple with a glazed expression. "It's so—"
"—romantic, we know, Vi," sighed Jennifer, rolling her eyes. "Actually, I'm quite sick of it already, to tell you the truth."
"Hear, hear," agreed Jackson, sighing. "Those two bicker so much it's a miracle you can tell that they actually love each other."
"Well, of course they do," said Violet, looking insulted. "Can't you see it, Jack? They're just too used to fighting each other. After all, they had been doing it for most of their years at Hogwarts."
"I don't have much of an opinion, then, since I didn't know you guys too well until sixth year."
"What d'you think, Moony?" asked Sirius. He wanted Remus to participate, since his friend had been gloomy ever since his break-up with Jennifer.
"I think that they express their love through those arguments," replied Remus absently. "You may not see it, but Violet's right. They're too used to fighting each other, that even if they're in love, they still have to fight in order to survive with each other. It sounds unusual, but then, Lily and James have never really been what I call 'conventional' people."
"True," agreed Jennifer, giggling, as Gideon's arms encircled her waist.
Remus visibly cringed when he saw the gesture, and he sighed. Well, that was what he'd get for making the decision, and he'd have to live with it, but by Merlin, was it hard without his Jenny.
"I hope that dinner isn't canceled, Jamie," said Lily sweetly, as they sat down for breakfast.
"Just because of that little fight? Like hell I'd cancel it."
"Watch the language, James," chided Alice. "Honestly, you men just really can't keep those swears to yourself, can you?"
"Don't think you're all cherubic and angelic," said Frank, laughing. "I caught you giving off the whole dictionary of obscene words the other day when you tripped down the stairs."
"Not that you wouldn't either. It hurt!"
"Hey, I'm not arguing with you, Al. Don't want to end up like Lily and James, do we?"
"I can't say I wouldn't want to at all." Alice looked over at the couple, smiling. She had always admired the love between Lily and James, ever since she got to know of their predicament in her sixth year.
"True," rambled Frank. "I remember back in our fourth year where—"
"Not one of your stupid stories again, Longbottom," grumbled Moody from his muffin. "Tell us something else."
"But this is good stuff, Alastor! Don't you want to hear about how Alice and I got together?"
"Why should I care about how young people 'get together', as you call it? I'm an old-timer now, Longbottom, so I don't understand these type of things."
"Please, Alastor, let me tell it just this once!"
"Ah, fine. I'd probably have to hear it in my lifetime anyway. Continue."
Frank beamed. "So anyway, as I was saying. Back in our fourth year, I had a gargantuan obsession with Cassia Newman. I couldn't help it! Everything about her was so perfect, at least to a point-of-view of a fourteen-year-old: a spot on the Quidditch team, pretty, popular, smart. God, I would've been married to that girl if it hadn't been for Wood and Alice. Anyhow, one day, I was partnered up with Al in Potions. I was very angry that Hurst didn't put me with Cassia, but I was satisfied, nevertheless. However, we had started up a conversation while we did our potion, and I found that Alice Hart was even more amazing than Cassia, and I was immediately in love by the end of class."
"How sweet…puppy love," said Jennifer indulgently. She had turned rather scatter-brained once more after Remus broke up with her.
"I found it to be true love," objected Frank stiffly.
"Well, I find it sweet. After all, one can never been 'in love' at the age of fourteen."
"For some people it can. I had been in love with Al for the longest time, and we're now married. It may be fate, Jennifer, but you can still change things for the better." He had meant to say that to point out to her that life went on no matter what, and she could still go back to Remus, but it seemed that she didn't get the point.
Jennifer merely shrugged, and flitted her eyes at Gideon with a lovesick expression upon her face. Remus sighed heavily when he saw this gesture.
"So, what're you all up for today?" asked Arabella, trying to lift the mood of the atmosphere.
"Nothing, really," said Violet disappointingly. "Lily and James are going to that dinner, but the rest of us are basically hanging about for the whole day, besides that Order project we're doing."
"Well, you'd better do that then," put in Moody. "If you have nothing to do, Walker, I'd advise you to get started at once."
"Yes, sir." Violet rolled her eyes and sighed.
"Jack!" exclaimed Jennifer, clucking her tongue disapprovingly. "Do you mean to say that you have nothing planned for Violet tonight?"
"I—" Jackson looked startled. "Er—"
"Shame on you! Gideon always has something planned for me when I've nothing to do."
"Jen, he's been busy with the Order," castigated Lily. "This isn't fun and games; this is serious. Innocent people are getting killed day after day, and this is all you think about? I'm ashamed of you, Jennifer Dean."
"Oh, Lils, you're such a spoilsport. It's not that bad, really."
"Remember what I told you back in our seventh year? This is just like what happened during the Muggle World War II, when Adolf Hitler took over and became the Chancellor of Germany, and murdered so many Jews, as well as gypsies, Jehovah witnesses, and the handicapped. Do you know how sick that is? They were innocent lives, Jennifer! Like now!"
"I agree with Lily, Jennifer," said Alice quietly. "This isn't fun and games anymore like it was at Hogwarts. This the real world now, and you have to face it."
"Alastor, another attack!"
Everyone turned around abruptly as Marlene McKinnon exclaimed this, stumbling through the fireplace. She pulled up her emerald green hat, which was askew, her eyes sparkling with excitement and worry.
"Where?" demanded Moody urgently.
Marlene seemingly calmed a bit, and sighed in defeat. "Azkaban."
"Azkaban?" repeated James, looking at his wife worriedly. "Has Voldemort gone completely mad?"
"He released the prisoners there who served under him, and convinced the dementors to be on his side."
There were shouts of protest and disbelief following this statement. Everyone feared the dementors, of course, since they sucked every single happy memory inside you, but having them on Voldemort's side—
"I don't believe it!" Sirius stood up, banging his glass on the table, causing coffee to spill everywhere. "Scourgify, damn thing. Anyway, the dementors can't be on Voldemort's side! They just can't!"
"Sirius—" began Marlene, but he cut her off.
"No, the world will end if the dementors are on Voldemort's side. We'll lose for sure!"
"Then that would mean we've lost, wouldn't it, Black?" grumbled Moody. "Because Marlene's right. The dementors have always been Dark creatures as it is, giving you all the bad memories of your life."
Sirius opened his mouth to protest, but James shook his head at him.
"Padfoot, let it go. The worst hasn't happened yet."
"Then what is the worst, Prongs, besides this?"
James sighed, and looked out of the window, running a free hand through his untidy hair. "When Voldemort knows that we're against him and kills us all one-by-one."
Arabella wrinkled her nose. "Well, what do we do now?"
Everyone looked over at the pretty brunette in puzzlement. Many of the Order members didn't trust Arabella for many reasons. First of all, she had to question the authority of everyone, and was too saucy for her own good. Second of all, she was the fiancée of Sirius Black, in whom they absolutely did not trust, being a Black and all.
"What? I was just asking, what do we do now? We can't just stand here and argue. We have to take action."
"She's right," agreed Fabian from the far end of the table, through a mouthful of toast. "What say you, Gid?"
"I agree as well, of course," said Gideon practically. "Perhaps a group of us should make a visit to Azkaban."
"Are you mad?" roared Remus, jumping up. He personally wasn't very fond of Gideon, after stealing his ex-girlfriend. "That would be folly. Azkaban no longer houses allies anymore."
"I agree with Remus," said James loudly. "We should just let this one go, Bells. We don't do everything related to Voldemort, or the Aurors would be out of job in no time."
When everyone finished breakfast and proceeded to their work, Lily grabbed hold of her husband's arm.
"James, what should we do?"
"You mean about the dinner?"
"No! Forget the dinner, I mean our world. It's falling apart, and I don't know if I'm ready to have a child to live in such a world."
"Lily, don't worry about it. Whatever happens, it'll happen, and there's nothing we can do about it. Now, what about dinner?"
Lily stared at him. "There's just been an attack on Azkaban and you're thinking about dinner?"
"Hey, I'm a growing man here, and I'm really hungry. Now, c'mon, I know the Aurors will want to see us and we want to make a good impression of ourselves, right?"
"Right," was answered a little bit hesitantly.
"C'mon, don't be such a wet rag," said James jovially. "Sure, it's bad that the dementors aren't on our side anymore, but it was bound to happen anyway. Evil things, those dementors. You are up to dinner today, aren't you?"
Lily sighed, laughing. "Yeah, let's go."
James grinned fondly at his little wife. "I'm not the egotistical, pathetic little prat you used to hate back at Hogwarts, am I?"
"No, you've changed…and definitely for the better. Though Merlin knows why I ever did marry you."
"Hey! I thought you said I changed."
"You have. However, you being a married man is still something I'm trying hard to imagine, and it's definitely not working."
Lily grinned, and looped her arm through James', smiling contentedly. She was so lucky to have such a sweet and devoted husband as James, and she counted her lucky stars every night for it.
"I'm just kidding, Jamie. Let's go."
James took Lily's hand and squeezed it, letting all his problems wash away for one moment when sparks flew between them, like it always did.
- - - - -
Disclaimer: I own nothing and J.K. Rowling owns everything. The song lyrics that I have used for this chapter are "The Lover After Me" by Savage Garden, and "Can You Feel The Love Tonight" by Elton John (I don't like him, but I love the "Lion King", so…yeah :D)
A/N: *sigh* Yes it took me forever AGAIN to update this chapter, and it didn't turn out as well as I expected. Well, not really, anyway. I hoped you liked it! Oh, and I have a warning beforehand. I am going on a trip to Washington D.C. with the entire eighth grade next Monday, so I won't be able to update for a while. Consider it a break for you and me…me writing this story and you reading it (it makes no sense, I know). In other words, a short hiatus of four days. Then I'll be back on Thursday night, and ready to write on Friday (which will happen to be Halloween).
Thanks to my reviewers:
natmarie – Thanks for your comments! Oh, and to answer your question…I really don't know if Dumbledore cleared Lily and James' memories about the future, but let's just say that they don't know about it now :P
LilyE – Thank you! I hope you like this chapter.
Kady Rilla Wholi – Yes, I killed Laura, but Kenneth is still alive (though critically wounded). I know, I wanted so much to kill Alex (who's based on a girl at school) and Yvonne, but they'll die sooner or later. Heh – I like Cassia too, and poor Jennifer. I'm afraid I made her too scatter-brained this chapter.
Agloechen – Thanks! Yeah, I was really disappointed about how Lily and James got together in the fifth book, so that's why I abruptly changed my original plot line to be at least some canon to the book.
Lily Natalia Evans – Yeah, James is a sweetie. I wish I had him! ;)
Erynwen – Thanks for reviewing!
Plaidly Lush – Well, I hoped you like their wedding this chapter :)
Lauren (laurenek@sbcglobal.net) – Don't worry, I'm not quitting this story!
champtennis – Thank you very much!
James-Padfoot – Yep, and now I only have two chapters to go…but don't worry, I'll be starting new stories too.
christi – Thanks for reviewing, and yes, novel's going great.
X-Girl X-File – Yes, this story is ending at Lily and James' deaths.
popcorn1289 – Thanks!
Angel Street – Yes, I will include Harry's birth in this, and as I said before, I will continue until Lily and James' deaths.